Rocket Engine Parameter Monitoring via Dynamic Threshold Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rocket engine monitoring methods rely on manual setting of operating limits and templates, which are prone to errors and require tedious updates, especially when the engine's operating point changes, leading to potential delays and inaccuracies in detecting anomalies.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for dynamically and automatically monitoring rocket engine parameters by estimating values based on engine regulation parameters, comparing these estimates to measurements using thresholds determined by uncertainty, and sending notifications for threshold crossings, allowing for real-time and adaptive anomaly detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual setting of monitoring limits and templates is used, then the monitoring system can be implemented, but the risk of error increases and updates become tedious when operating conditions change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring accuracyVSAvoidmanual configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system automatically determines its own limits and templates by processing historical measurement data and identifying operating patterns, eliminating the need for manual configuration. The system self-updates when new operating conditions are detected, making it adaptive to changing conditions without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors operating parameters, compares measurements against dynamically determined limits, and uses the feedback from this comparison to automatically refine and update the monitoring templates based on actual engine behavior patterns observed during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed monitoring templates are used, then the monitoring system can be implemented, but the system cannot adapt to changes in engine operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to operating conditionsVSAvoidtime for template updates
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring limits and templates are made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously adapts the monitoring parameters based on the current operating point of the engine, automatically adjusting to transient and steady-state conditions without requiring manual reconfiguration or time-consuming updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-processes historical measurement data to establish initial monitoring templates before actual operation begins. This preliminary action allows the system to be operational immediately while maintaining the capability to adapt dynamically during operation, eliminating the need for time-consuming updates when conditions change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If manual updating of monitoring limits is performed, then the system can respond to condition changes, but errors and delays in anomaly detection occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speed to condition changesVSAvoidanomaly detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically updates its own monitoring templates in real-time as new operating data becomes available, eliminating manual intervention entirely. This self-updating capability ensures both rapid response to changing conditions and maintains high detection accuracy through continuous refinement based on actual engine behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The template updating process occurs continuously during engine operation rather than through discrete manual updates. This continuous adaptation ensures that the monitoring system remains synchronized with current operating conditions at all times, preventing both delays and errors in anomaly detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3126659B1Method and device for monitoring a parameter of a rocket engine
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS
  • EP3126659B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3126659B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3126659B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The method according to the invention includes: a step (E10) of obtaining a measurement of the monitored parameter carried out by a sensor and corresponding to an operating point of the engine, said operating point being defined by at least one engine-control parameter; a step (E20) of estimating a value of the monitored parameter for said operating point, from a controlled value or a filtered set value of said at least one engine-control parameter defining the operating point; a step (E40) of comparing an error between the monitored parameter measurement and the estimation thereof relative to at least one threshold determined from an uncertainty in said error assessed for the operating point; and a step (E60) of emitting a notification in the event of crossing at least one threshold.